SIGN THE PETITION at noGItolls.com

I received this VIA email from Jim Tedisco, what a thrill this is. We are making headway in Albany, well with the Republicans anyway in the Senate and Assembly. Now will be the time to hold them all accountable and see who will be the obstructionists. Democrats sponsor or co-sponsor legislation or be labeled as obstructionists. We are tired of hearing you say “we can’t do anything about it” You can by legislation, now do it and stand up for the people of this state for once.

Assembly Republican Minority Tedisco Leader responds to Toll issue
Dear Mr. Thompson:

Thank you for your e-mail and your suggestions on how to prevent the toll increase. It is a pleasure to hear from you.

My Assembly Republican colleagues and I support an audit of the Thruway Authority and are calling on Governor Spitzer and Legislative leaders to support legislation to remove the Canal Corporation from the Authority’s grip and ultimately develop a long-term plan that could include consolidation of services with the state DOT to eliminate tolls altogether.

Increasing tolls really amounts to ‘geographic discrimination’ to Upstate residents who regularly travel and rely on the Thruway and would end up paying more. In an economy thats been rocked by soaring fuel prices, raising Thruway tolls will cause further fiscal pain for working New Yorkers.

Our Conference launched a series of public hearings on the proposed Thruway toll increase because citizens and small businesses have a right to express their opinion on this issue – and we, as legislators, have a duty and an obligation to listen to their concerns and then take appropriate action to address them.

My fellow Assembly Republican colleagues and I will introduce legislation requiring that any change in Thruway tolls be first approved by the Legislature. It’s simply not appropriate for faceless, unelected bureaucrats to make such an important decision affecting the finances of so many New Yorkers. Any change in Thruway tolls must come before the 212 men and women who were duly elected by their constituents to make such decisions.

Be assured that my Assembly Republican colleagues and I will take your thoughts into careful consideration during deliberations on this issue. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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